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Longboat Key | Opinion

Clash of merit vs. politics
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 21, 2024
Clash of merit vs. politics

After 11 years as Manatee’s supervisor of elections, Mike Bennett is retiring March 1. He has recommended an obvious choice: his chief of staff. But a surprise candidate has also applied: Commissioner James Satcher.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Yes, don’t derail the town project, but get control of it
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 21, 2024
Yes, don’t derail the town project, but get control of it

We are in agreement with Mayor Ken Schneier. We don’t want Phase 3 of the town center project to be derailed.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Florida needs to do more to attract doctors
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 14, 2024
Florida needs to do more to attract doctors

An area doctor writes that Florida has several hurdles to clear in order to draw more medical professionals.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
This is what LBK wants
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 14, 2024
This is what LBK wants

Longboaters want a community center and education center. A library branch is tertiary. Commissioners: Take control of the process.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Berries are high in flavonoids, which makes them a great addition to a heart healthy diet.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • February 12, 2024
A simple formula for a happy heart

Easy lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in your heart's health.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
What’s in it for neighbors?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 8, 2024
What’s in it for neighbors?

Surely, Ride Entertainment knows what kind of storms it is about to encounter in its dream to add commercial amusements at City Island. You know the saying: Know your audience. Same applies: Know your neighbors.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Florida leads on health care innovation
  • By Adrian Moore, Vittorio Nastasi
  • February 7, 2024
Florida leads on health care innovation

Telehealth is helping ease the doctor shortage. Dental therapists are next.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Pay for ‘enhancements?’
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 7, 2024
Pay for ‘enhancements?’

Sarasota County says it will pay for a library branch. Extras will be up to private donations. Before this gets too far, the town needs data.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Economic indicators are grim nationally and abroad
  • By George Rauch
  • February 6, 2024
Economic indicators are grim nationally and abroad

A former Wall Street banker reviews the state of the market and urges caution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
How to attract more health care practitioners
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 31, 2024
How to attract more health care practitioners

Florida needs thousands more doctors, nurses and mental health specialists. The Legislature wants to attract them by paying their medical school loans and making it easier to get a license.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
In awe of the Ora
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • January 24, 2024
In awe of the Ora

Taking a gamble on the lack of event space in Sarasota, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee seems to have a winning bet with its new venue, the Ora.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Electric vehicle chargers are often out of commission
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 23, 2024
Electric vehicle chargers are often out of commission

A reader would like to charge his electric vehicle but has found that to be challenging in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Population growth spawns prosperity. Development comes with it.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2024
Population growth spawns prosperity. Development comes with it.

Anyone who lives in Florida, full or part time, and thinks they have the right to keep others from having what you have is delusional. Don’t like it? Go back to New Jersey.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Selby Gardens: A vision comes to life; a shinier gem
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2024
Selby Gardens: A vision comes to life; a shinier gem

The opening last week of the first phase of the Gardens’ $92 million master plan was a monumental culmination.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Water taxi for Whitney? No way
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2024
Water taxi for Whitney? No way

While a water taxi sounds like a good idea, by our way of thinking if it were such a good idea, typically the private sector would fill the need.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
Danae Tran plays the violin for Longboat Island Chapel attendees of the July 19 morning service before she and fellow scholarship recipient Michelle McLeod move to greet guests at the award reception.
  • July 24, 2026
Scholars celebrated at Longboat Island Chapel award reception
2
A Flock camera takes pictures of vehicles that drive on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.
  • July 22, 2026
Flock cameras photograph every car that enters Longboat Key
3
The home at 344 W. Royal Flamingo Drive sold for $6.55 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,344 square feet of living area.
  • July 22, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 6-10 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
4
Mother-daughter duo Bridgette, left, and Giana Clark make a doubly positive difference in their community by monitoring sea turtle nests and clearing litter from the beach as volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The group recently celebrated seeing their new "Adopt A Shore" signage.
  • July 22, 2026
Clean beaches are a 'shore' thing under Turtle Watch's eye
5
Multiple species of starfish have found a home on the "Living Wall" at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The innovative project uses 3D-printed concrete slabs modeled after mangrove roots to provide better habitat for aquatic animals.
  • July 21, 2026
Longboat's living seawall recognized for creativity

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